FPSC

With the implementation of primary care networks (PCNs) across the province, the Ministry of Health is forming a new Primary and Community Care Policy Implementation Committee (PCCPIC) to oversee the various aspects of implementation of PCNs and an integrated system of primary and community care across the province. The committee will be established in September 2018 and stand until March 31, 2020. It may be renewed at that time, at the discretion of the Ministry of Health.

As part of their work on the Residential Care Initiative, South Okanagan Similkameen division doctors began undertaking meaningful medication reviews in local facilities. The resulting changes to patients’ prescriptions caused an increase in the number of medications being returned to pharmacies for disposal—an issue physicians soon realized could be solved by a simple policy change impacting how medications are ordered during the prescribing process.

What new doctors want: Attracting med school grads and GP residents to practice in BC

A panel of new grads and residents at the recent GPSC Spring Summit was asked about their hopes, aspirations, and concerns for their future careers during a session entitled “Recruitment and Retention: A Conversation with the Next Generation of Family Doctors.” Participants were asked to describe what they are seeking in a practice and a community – what do they want? What don’t they want?

The summer 2018 issue of the quarterly GPSC newsletter, GP Update, is now online. This issue features articles on:

• “Skills, not only pills:” Nova Scotia adopts Practice Support Program adult mental health module
• Working with nurses in practices
• Team-based approach helps new physician settle in Keremeos

Click here to read these articles and more about GPSC programs, developments, and achievements.

At the Doctors of BC annual general meeting on June 2, Dr Shelley Ross received the Silver Medal of Service award for her outstanding contributions to medicine and improving the welfare of British Columbians. Through her involvement with the Medical Women’s International Association, Dr Ross has significantly influenced women’s health care locally and internationally, and has advocated on behalf of women in medicine.

As of June 1, 2018, two new fees to compensate physicians for treatment of patients with opioid use disorder came into effect:

The GPSC Spring Summit, which took place April 16 and 17, 2018, focused on themes of leadership, teamwork, and trust. The event attracted more than 440 attendees, making it the GPSC's largest Summit ever. Participants explored topics such as tools and resources for patient medical homes, the practicalities of setting up a primary care network, and learnings from examples of team-based care models.

The GPSC Spring Summit Summary Report captures the highlights of the event, including:

A panel discussion at the 2018 GPSC Spring Summit revealed that new doctors want team environments, mentoring opportunities, and potentially new payment models.

Read more on the Doctors of BC website.

The GPSC is celebrating family doctors in BC, and around the world, with BC Family Doctor Day (in tandem with World Family Doctor Day) on May 19.

BC family doctors are leading and influencing the delivery of family medicine to ensure that their patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

Doctors of BC members are invited to attend the 2018 annual general meeting (AGM) on June 2 at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre (UBC Campus, 6163 University Blvd., Vancouver).